The defending World Cup champions were defeated 2-0 by South Korea at the Kazan Arena on Wednesday, finishing bottom of their group. This is the first time since 1938 that Germany have failed to qualify from the group stage of the World Cup.

"Our footballers played well here. Today I was lucky to score, but I just had to run after such an assist. This victory is very important for us and our fans, we deserve this victory," Son told journalists.

With Germany committing men forward in the dying minutes in search of an equalizer, Son slotted the ball into the back of the net on the counterattack, with German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer caught out of position.

South Korea qualified with three points as Sweden and Mexico moved through to the last 16 after finishing with six points each.

"We realized that we hadn't qualified for the knockout stage only after the game, that is why we were so emotional. But we have done our best," Son said.